Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

Film and Creative Content Funding

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Hawaii Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism News Release

Right now, Molokai creatives have a chance to bid for funding for their film and media projects.

The Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID) Hawaii released on Dec. 31, 2024, a request for proposals (RFP) toward the development of small, mid-sized and microbudget film and creative media projects. Providing Phase I seed funding from the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Fund, the solicitation is to support local filmmakers, media makers and content creators with the goal of supporting the growth of Hawaii-originated intellectual property (IP) for licensing, distribution and export.…

Agricultural Micro Grant Program

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Agricultural Micro Grant Program

MEO News Release

Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 5.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and ranchers – will be available starting Jan. 9, 2025.
The $2 million Maui County-funded program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, is open to select startup and operating farms on less than 12 acres, and livestock ranches up to 40 acres.
The farms and ranches must possess a county business or state general excise license as of July 1, 2024. Preference will be given to women and Native Hawaiian-run operations.
The grants may be used to directly impact the availability of locally-grown produce, livestock and poultry and other related products.…

Speaker Series Resumes with “Coral Gardener”

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Speaker Series Resumes with “Coral Gardener”

The Global Citizenship Speaker Series will resume at the Molokai Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. with special guest Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby from Fiji speaking on coral reef conservation and regeneration. Sustaining coral reefs is an important issue for Molokai, which is dependent on its reef for food security.

This is the fifth iteration in the speaker series presented by the Molokai Bahá’í Community in collaboration with the Molokai Public Library. First running in January 2024, the goal of the series is to encourage conversations around global issues that are also of importance to people on Molokai.

In 2024, the talks ranged from food sovereignty, with Karen Mapusua from Fiji, President of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, to Hawaiian sovereignty, with well-known political scientist Keanu Sai.…

Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer Sweep Competition

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer Sweep Competition

Coming into the new year, many Molokai High School (MHS) teams were poised to continue their stellar seasons.

After competing against top teams in the Punahou Invitational in late December, the MHS boys basketball team was back in action on Molokai with two games against Kihei Charter. Celebrating senior night on Friday, the boys put up big numbers in a 46-29 win over Kihei, with Kaizen Torres-Umi Napoleon and Tyshonn Harper leading the scoring for the Farmers. Saturday’s rematch featured more of the same, with the Farmers taking a decisive 52-40 win. This time it was Braylen Colon leading the offense with 23 points.…

Training Homegrown Healthcare Professionals

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Training Homegrown Healthcare Professionals

When Olelo Schonely Spencer at UH Maui College Molokai launched a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certification cohort program last year, she thought a couple of people might sign up.
“We didn’t really think we’d have nine right out of the gate,” said Schonely Spencer, who works as the college’s Career and Technical Education program coordinator. “[We thought] oh, just a couple, you know, just to kind of see if this is going to work. And it kind of exceeded all of our expectations.”
Those nine residents just received their certifications for free, made possible through a partnership with Good Jobs Hawaii.…

An Affirmative Start to the New Year

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

An Affirmative Start to the New Year

Kilohana School first graders in Sara Jane Larkin’s class started the new year a little differently. Instead of resolving to change something about themselves, Larkin had the students create affirmations, recognizing the good qualities that they already possess.

The affirmations take the shape of three statements “I am,” “I can” and “I will” and are followed by whatever quality the students feel fits them best. The result is a combination of the poetic and the profound, as young students profess a mantra of self-worth.

“The brain-power of an affirmation extends beyond one goal,” explained Larkin. “It’s a commitment to a certain lifestyle.”…

Proposed Legislation for Kalaupapa

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

Hawaii Dept. of Health News Release

In preparation for the future transfer of responsibilities at Kalaupapa following the eventual conclusion of patient care, the Department of Health (DOH) is proposing draft legislation to amend Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 326, which addresses Hansen’s Disease and DOH’s role at Kalaupapa. This draft legislation will be introduced during the upcoming legislative session for review and feedback from legislators and the general public.

This initial draft of the bill reflects the DOH’s preliminary recommendations, developed through years of research, collaboration with the Kalaupapa community, consultation with involved governmental agencies, and engagement with members of the public interested in Kalaupapa’s future.…

Molokai Community Health Center Expands Dental Services 

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) is excited to announce a significant expansion of its dental services, aimed at addressing the growing oral health needs of our community. This initiative underscores MCHC’s commitment to delivering accessible dental care for Quest individuals and families across Molokai.

The expanded dental services will include additional exam rooms and state-of-the-art equipment to improve efficiency and patient care. This upgrade will ensure that more individuals can receive timely treatment, helping to meet the growing demand for dentist near me services in the area.

This initiative not only addresses the rising demand for dental services but also emphasizes the long-term value of maintaining oral health.…

Shopping Local

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

Shopping Local

Looking for last minute gifts? Look no further. Molokai’s small businesses are churning out art, apparel, jewelry and more, without any of the hassle or cost of shipping. On the other hand, as for these businesses, they can take advantage of products like a shop mannequin. Shop mannequins can be a valuable asset for small businesses, offering a visual way to showcase products and attract customers. By displaying merchandise in a realistic and eye-catching manner, mannequins can highlight key items, boost store aesthetics, and create an inviting atmosphere. They help customers envision how products might look in real life, which can increase sales.…

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams, affectionately known as KK, daughter of Lalae and Mano Kaalekahi (both deceased), she passed away at the age of 62 on Aug. 11, 2024, She is survived by her husband, Michael Adams, sons Kale (Martina), Cody (Kara) and daughter Kiana (Anthony and Sarah); sisters Rollanda Kaalekahi, Rolda (Sione) Mauala and brother Rolland Jr.
Services will be held on Dec. 27, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kalamaula with a burial to follow at the VA cemetery in Ho’olehua.…